A recent Supreme Court order defining what constitutes the Aravalli mountain range has sparked a fierce environmental and political debate across northern India.
Environmentalists warn that the ruling could expose over 90% of the ecologically fragile hills to unchecked mining, while the government insists it's a necessary step for clear conservation.
The Core of the Controversy: A New Definition
For decades, the lack of a uniform legal definition of the "Aravalli range" across states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi has hampered conservation efforts.
On November 20, 2025, the Supreme Court approved a high-level committee's recommendation, setting a new benchmark:
The 100-Meter Rule: Only landforms with a height of 100 meters or more will be legally classified as "Aravalli hills."
The 500-Meter Buffer: If two such hills are within 500 meters of each other, the entire intervening area is considered part of the protected Aravalli range.
Mining Restrictions: The court endorsed the committee's view that no new mining leases should be granted except for certain critical, strategic, or atomic minerals.
Why Environmentalists Are Raising the Alarm
The panic stems from data suggesting a vast majority of the Aravallis are short hills. A reported internal assessment by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) indicated that in Rajasthan, only about 8% of over 1,200 identified hills meet the 100-meter threshold.
Activists argue that reducing protection based solely on height ignores the range's crucial ecological role:
Climate Shield: It acts as a natural barrier against the expansion of the Thar Desert into the fertile plains of Delhi-NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh.
Water Recharger: Its rocky terrain helps absorb rainwater, replenishing the groundwater aquifers that supply millions.
Biodiversity Hotspot: It hosts diverse wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, and over 200 bird species.
Government's Rebuttal: "A Definition, Not an Invitation"
Facing public outcry and protests in Rajasthan, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav held a press conference on December 22 to clarify the government's stance. He labeled the fears as "misleading propaganda."
Key government assurances include:
No Mining in NCR: Minister Yadav explicitly stated that mining remains completely prohibited in the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes parts of the Aravallis.
Protected Areas Safe: All existing national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves (like Sariska and Ranthambore), and forest areas continue to enjoy full legal protection.
Aim is Clarity: The government argues that a clear, map-based definition using Survey of India data will actually curb illegal mining and land encroachment by removing ambiguity.
The Road Ahead: Vigilance and Transparency
The ultimate impact of the Supreme Court's order hinges on its on-ground implementation. Experts are calling for:
Public Mapping: The release of all cadastral maps defining the new boundaries for public scrutiny.
Independent Monitoring: Strong oversight mechanisms to ensure the promised restrictions on new mining leases are enforced.
Holistic Review: Future policies must consider the region's hydrology and biodiversity, not just topographical height.
This controversy highlights India's persistent challenge in balancing ecological preservation with developmental pressures.
The fate of the ancient Aravallis now depends on rigorous enforcement and unwavering political will.
